I have a couple used styli for my Shure Type 5 (not 'x') cartridge, a VN5G and a VN5MR that I would like to have retipped. In the case of the VN5G, at least, the original beryllium cantilever shows no imperfections under a microscope so I would much rather retain it if possible than have it replaced. (I couldn't readily locate the VN5MR just now so don't know if its cantilever is in such good shape).

Are there any stylus retipping services that can do just that without changing the cantilever, even if their replacement is ruby? I don't believe any other material comes very close performance wise to the beryllium tube that Shure uses for its cantilever so would be willing to go to some lengths to retain it.

I really wish now that I'd stocked up a few years back on replacement styli for my Shure cartridge before Shure discontinued them, but I wasn't paying attention right then. I was able to acquire a couple of new VN5Ps, one of which I am using at the moment, but I want to get a couple more 'backups' JIC.

I actually spoke with the proprieter of Soundsmith about retipping this stylus - I didn't get the feeling that he felt that the suspension would be a problem with this cartridge, although we didn't discuss it specifically. He seemed reluctant to merely change the stylus without also replacing the cantilever because he said the beryllium tube cantilever crushes easily.

Btw, I found the second worn stylus last night and put it under the microscope - the cantilever looks good on it also, but the whole area around the stylus is quite dirty. Been using Shure cartridges for over 30 years now and never busted a stylus

The issue will be the rubber suspension and damping, which have almost certainly deteriorated.

The shure model that has/had the most frequent problems with drying suspension rubbers is the type IV,even NOS.It seems like Type III and V had different rubbers that did not dry over time.The type III rubbers however,become too soft sometimes.

If for any reason you decide not to re tip on the beryllium cantilever,you may check JICO/SAS new replacement for type V,with boron cantilever and SAS tip.SAS is a Line contact tip,close to microridge shape.